The Boyes Factory and other properties in the Beira Rio Complex in Piracicaba, Brazil, are subject to a state-level tombamento process which could introduce new regulations for any renovations, restorations, or demolitions at the site. Architect Marcos Tognon from Unicamp highlights that such changes will require state authorization, overriding previous municipal decisions made by the Council for Cultural Heritage Defense of Piracicaba (Codepac). As a result, real estate projects, including a proposed condominium on the historical factory site, may now face additional scrutiny.

The Boyes Factory has been designated as a cultural heritage site by Codepac since 2004, which typically protects the building from alterations. However, in 2023, Codepac controversially approved the demolition of six of the thirteen buildings on the property to allow for the construction of four residential towers, which will reach about 90 meters in height alongside the river. This decision raises questions about the balance between urban development and heritage conservation in Piracicaba.

The potential new state regulations could redefine the decision-making landscape for heritage sites in Piracicaba and possibly inspire similar measures in other regions. The implications are significant for the future of real estate projects in the area, especially in light of public interest in preserving historical structures against commercial interests. Local dynamics, community reactions, and government policies will need to navigate these complex layers to ensure a fair approach to both development and heritage preservation.